U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland visited the Lawrence County Courthouse Tuesday to thank past supporters and officially announce his plans for re-election in 2004.

Strickland (D-6th District) represents 12 Ohio counties including part of Scioto, Athens, Mahoning, Columbiana and Belmont counties and all of Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs, Washington, Nobel, Jefferson and Monroe counties.

"Quite frankly, I just wanted to touch base with all the counties and say 'thank you' for the privilege to represent them," he said. " And I am saying that I would like to do it again and I am asking for support in 2004."

No other Democrat has filed for the office yet. If no one files, Strickland will run unopposed and will automatically be on the November 2004 ballot. If another Democrat files, then they will battle it out in the March primary.

"This county has been good to me," Strickland said.

To which, Clerk of Courts Dale Burcham replied, "You have been good to this county."

Strickland touted his past successes and his voting record as reasons Lawrence Countians should continue to support him.

"I work hard, fight for the people who live here in this district," Strickland said. "I support things important to them such as veterans' health care, prescription drugs for seniors, I have the right ideas about trade and I support fair and equitable funding for the kids in this region. …"

If re-elected, Strickland said he will continue to fight for these ideals.

"I think I stand up for the average working person. I think that is what this district needs," Strickland said. "I am just getting sick and tired of average people getting stepped on by the special interests. If you are in Washington, it happens day, after day, after day."

Also, Paul Schwietering visited the courthouse to announce that he will run to replace Doug White in the Ohio Senate's 14th District that was restructured last year and now includes only Adams, Brown, Clermont, Scioto and the western part of Lawrence County.

Schwietering served two terms as the state central committeeman for the Ohio Democratic Party in the old 14th district.

"I am running for state senate because I believe vigorous new leadership is needed to straighten out the mess the Republicans have made in Columbus," he said. "They lied to the people of Ohio about finances until the last election was safely behind them. As a result, they have raised taxes while, at the same time, cut services and are cutting funding for higher education."